Gift giving and the holidays go hand in hand — yet finding the just-right present for everyone on your list is a lot of pressure. This year, rather than letting the shopping stress you out, think of it as an opportunity to show the people in your life they’re appreciated. When it comes to gifts for those in the workplace, specifically, it’s the chance to let your clients, bosses, employees, or whomever you’re in contact with know how much you value them.
We asked Robert Kraemer, leader at Life Time Work in Minneapolis, Minn., and Alicia Evans, leader at Life Time Work West End in St. Louis Park, Minn., to share their ideas for the types of gifts to give to those in the workplace this holiday season. Here’s what they have on their lists.
1. Leather desk mat. Accent a desk space with a smooth, leather mat. Place a keyboard, mouse, or notebook on top, bringing elevated style to the desktop of an office, cube, or home workspace.
2. Accessory survival kit. Fill a reusable pouch or multipurpose container with essential everyday items such as quality pens, an HDMI cable, a variety of adapters, a universal phone charger, Post-it notes, and pieces of stationery. “This is a thoughtful, yet practical gift,” says Kraemer. “Oftentimes people need these items and others around them don’t always have spares or loaners.”
3. Desktop greenery. Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing to have on your desk, but they can also promote productivity and concentration. Succulents can be a great option, as they’re easier to keep alive.
4. Fitness accessories. Items such as yoga mats, sweat towels, or water bottles support a healthy way of life. “While any health-focused person can enjoy these types of accessories, they are often a go-to gift for us because they align with the values of our community at Life Time,” says Kraemer.
5. Planner. Look for a planner or calendar specifically designed to help with goal setting. This can be a useful gift for those who might be setting intentions to carry out in the upcoming year.
6. Wooden board. The holidays are the perfect time to give these as they can be used for serving appetizers and hors d’oeuvres at gatherings. “I’ve gifted small, individual boards before and the recipients have loved them,” says Evans. “The boards can be used for serving charcuterie, as a little snack trays for kids, or displayed as kitchen decor. It’s a great multiuse gift!”
7. Bottle of wine or non-alcoholic beverage. Select a bottle to gift on its own or pair it with the board above. “A bottle of champagne is classic for celebrations, while a bottle of wine or growler of beer always make great gifts. There are also so many fun non-alcoholic options available these days.”
Kraemer adds, “If you’re unsure of your audience’s drink preferences, gift an assortment of high-end non-alcoholic mixers and garnishes that could go with either a nice liquor or seltzer or tonic or soda water.”
8. Travel mug. Coffee and tea are beloved drinks of choice in the work environment, so you can’t really go wrong with a good travel mug.
9. Gift cards. Who doesn’t love receiving a gift card? Select the destination with intention. A few ideas include a favorite local business, grocery store, go-to restaurant, gas station, or spa. Many of our Life Time Work team members opt for gifting LifeSpa or LifeCafe gift cards as they know they’re something members can enjoy and easily use.
10. Experiences. Outside of things, the gift of an experience is a great option. Think of what the recipient would enjoy: Give someone the opportunity to attend an event or sporting game, take a cooking or dance class, or relax with a massage or spa treatment.
Note: Many of the items above could be branded and customized with your company’s logo or monogrammed with the recipient’s initials if you want to personalize the gift even more.
